Statement on Gawker Unionizing with Writers Guild of America, East

NEW YORK, NY (APRIL 17, 2015) – Writers Guild of America, East’s Executive Director Lowell Peterson released the following statement regarding Gawker Media:

“The Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) has a long history of representing writers and others in broadcast news, and we have been at the forefront of organizing digital media.  We welcome the opportunity to work with the writers at Gawker and its affiliated web sites – men and women who are dedicated to crafting stories that elucidate and entertain.  Like all professional journalists and storytellers, these writers deserve a voice on the job.

“The way people write, produce, distribute, and consume news and information is changing in fundamental ways.  The WGAE knows the union and its members must be active, alert and creative in responding to (and shaping) this transformation.

“Gawker has long stood as a leader in digital media thanks to the skills, dedication and foresight of its staff, who have decided to take an active role in building solid, sustainable careers.”

ABOUT WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA, EAST

The Writers Guild of America, East, AFL-CIO (WGAE) is a labor union representing writers in motion pictures, television, cable, digital media and broadcast news. The Guild negotiates and administers contracts that protect the creative and economic rights of its members; conducts programs, seminars and events on issues of interest to writers; and presents writers’ views to various bodies of government. For more information on the Writers Guild of America, East, visit wgaeast.org.

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For interviews or more information, please contact:
Jason Gordon
Director of Communications
Writers Guild of America, East
E: jgordon@wgaeast.org
P: 212-767-7809